It’s time to enjoy what travellers from around the world came to northern British Columbia for this summer: B.C.’s incredible tourism experiences. Fall for B.C. by enjoying the full range of fun fall staycation activities right in your backyard.

Staycations give British Columbians a chance to enjoy the province’s world-class travel experiences first-hand. Staycations are also a good way to keep your vacation dollars circulating in B.C.’s economy. By visiting regional events and venues, you’re not only supporting local businesses, you're also helping sustain important jobs in the tourism sector.

B.C.’s tourism sector is strong and growing and a key sector in the BC Jobs Plan. As an economic driver in the province, it employs 132,000 British Columbians, almost one in every 15 jobs in B.C. in 2013. The sector also has more than 19,200 tourism-related businesses and paid out $4.5 billion in wages and salaries to tourism workers in 2013 – an increase of 3.8% over the year before.

More and more people are coming to our province. In 2014, 4.65 million international travellers came to B.C. That is a 5.3% increase, and nearly a quarter million more visitors than we welcomed in 2013. As well, so far in 2015 year-to-date visitors are up 8.8% over the same period last year.

Here are some activities for your Northern BC Fall for B.C. staycation:

• Top fall drive: Discovery Coast Circle Tour. Visit coastal villages, do some hiking amid volcanic mountains or discover the Gold Rush Trail.
• Take Pride in BC Parks! Check out the lava beds at Nisga'a Memorial Lava Bed Provincial Park.
• Drop by the ‘Ksan Historical Village and Museum, which showcases the richness of Gitxsan culture and heritage. 180 miles east of Prince Rupert.
• Enjoy the fall colours along one of many of Chetwynd’s trail systems. Hiking and mountain biking are fun fall activities.
• Stop in at the Winter Gold Arts and Crafts Fair, Nov. 28, Smithers.
• Shop at the Prince George Farmers’ Market, ongoing throughout fall/winter.
• Visit the Skeena Valley Farmers’ Market, ongoing throughout fall, Terrace.
• Pay a visit to the Tluu Xaada Naay Longhouse, Old Massett. See Christian White’s Carving Shed, see a Haida art collection, a canoe carving shed and watch Haida artists at work.
• Enjoy the beauty of fall by the sea while doing some sport fishing in Haida Gwaii.
• Take in the excitement of a Prince George Cougars hockey game.

Quotes:

Shirley Bond, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Minister Responsible for Labour –

"It's fall, the summer crowds have gone and it's a great time to enjoy a staycation. It is an opportunity to fall for B.C. and enjoy our amazing province. I encourage British Columbians to staycation and visit one of the six diverse regions that make B.C. stand out as a world class tourism destination."

Mike Morris, MLA for Prince George-Mackenzie – “The Central Interior and northern B.C. offer experiences no other part of the province can provide. Come and explore, see for yourself. Staycation in Beautiful B.C.”

John Rustad, MLA for Nechako Lakes – “From farmers’ markets, to craft fairs, to hiking trails, there’s something for everyone here in our region. Come support our local economy and enjoy life in northern B.C.!”

Learn More at:

• For more info on Northern B.C. tourism: http://www.hellobc.com/northern-british-columbia.aspx